Better at Home is a new program to help seniors live independently in their own homes, surrounded by family, friends and neighbours.

The United Way, with funding from the B.C. government, is implementing the program in up to 60 communities across the province, addressing specific needs of seniors and helping with simple non-medical, day-today tasks.

Mission Community Services is linking up with the United Way to assess Abbotsford's readiness to implement the program in the community, and will hold an information-gathering meeting on Feb. 7 to receive input.

Abbotsford has an opportunity to launch the new Better at Home program to provide non-medical home support services such as light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation to appointments, simple home repairs, friendly visiting, light yard work and snow shoveling.

Mission Community Services and the United Way need the support of the community to identify priorities and make this program a reality for Abbotsford.

All seniors and support people are invited to attend a community meeting on Thursday, Feb. 7 from 9: 45 a.m. to 12: 45 p.m. at the Abbotsford Social Activity Centre, 2361 Cyril St., Abbotsford, where the findings of this project will be presented along with a final chance to provide input.

If you, or someone you know needs this kind of support, please add your voice.

Lunch will be provided and transportation can be arranged with advance notice.

? To register for the Better at Home community consultation meeting or to provide input call Cory Cassel at 604-814-3941 or e-mail cory.cassel@missioncommunityservices.com.

JKonda-Witte@abbotsfordtimes.com